Recent research has revealed the first-ever tardigrades fossils, providing insights into how these resilient creatures might have survived major extinction events on Earth, including the Great Dying.
Survival Through Extinction Events
- Great Dying: The research suggests that cryptobiosis may have helped tardigrades survive significant extinction events, such as the Permian extinction (around 252 million years ago), caused by massive volcanic activity.
- The Great Dying refers to the Permian extinction event around 252 million years ago, causing massive species loss.
- Survival Strategy: Cryptobiosis allowed tardigrades to withstand periods of extreme environmental stress by suspending their metabolic activities until conditions improved.
About Tardigrades:
- Definition: Tardigrades, commonly known as water bears or moss piglets, are microscopic, 8-legged animals.
- Habitats: They are found in diverse environments, from deep-sea hydrothermal vents to high mountain peaks.
- Survival Mechanisms: Known for their ability to endure extreme conditions by entering a state called cryptobiosis, where they almost completely halt their metabolism.
Evolutionary Significance:
- Divergence of Tardigrade Classes: Tardigrades are divided into two major classes—Heterotardigrada and Eutardigrada. These classes diverged approximately 500 million years ago.
- Emergence of Cryptobiosis: The ability to enter cryptobiosis likely evolved independently in both classes between 430 million and 175 million years ago.
Implications of the Study
- Evolutionary Understanding: By calibrating the tardigrade evolutionary tree with these ancient fossils, scientists gain insights into the timing and evolution of their survival strategies.
- Survival Mechanism Context: While cryptobiosis likely aided survival through extinction events, it is not certain that this ability evolved solely for that purpose.
Ref: Source
| UPSC IAS Preparation Resources | |
| Current Affairs Analysis | Topperspedia |
| GS Shots | Simply Explained |
| Daily Flash Cards | Daily Quiz |
Frequently Asked Question:
What are tardigrades?
Tardigrades, also called water bears, are microscopic 8-legged animals capable of surviving extreme conditions.
How do tardigrades survive extreme environments?
Tardigrades enter cryptobiosis, a state where they halt metabolic activity, enabling them to survive harsh conditions.
What is cryptobiosis?
Cryptobiosis is a survival strategy in which tardigrades suspend their metabolic processes during extreme stress.
What are the two major classes of tardigrades?
Tardigrades are classified into Heterotardigrada and Eutardigrada, which diverged around 500 million years ago.
How might cryptobiosis have helped tardigrades survive extinction events?
Cryptobiosis likely enabled tardigrades to survive events like the Permian extinction by pausing their metabolism until the environment improved.